SafePlants

Agrimony (Agrimonia spp.)

Agrimony refers to plants within the genus Agrimonia, encompassing approximately 12-15 species of perennial herbs. Several species and common names are mentioned in the provided text.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Genus: Agrimonia
• Family: Rosaceae (Rose family)
• Notable Species:
  • Agrimonia gryposepala (Tall Hairy Agrimony, Common Agrimony)
  • Agrimonia microcarpa (Low Agrimony, Small Fruit Groovebur, Small Fruit Agrimony)
  • Agrimonia eupatoria
  • Agrimonia parviflora (Small-flowered Agrimony, Swamp Agrimony)
  • Agrimonia procera (Fragrant Agrimony)
• Synonyms/Common Names: Common Agrimony, Church Steeples, Cockeburr, Cocklebur, Stickwort, Tall Hairy Agrimony, Small Fruit Groovebur. Hemp Agrimony (Eupatorium cannabinum) is mentioned as a plant with a similar name but is not related.

Considerations for Pets

• The fruits have hooked bristles that readily attach to animal fur, facilitating seed dispersal. These bristles may cause irritation or discomfort.

Considerations for Children

• The fruits have hooked bristles that readily attach to clothing. These bristles may cause irritation.

Distribution and Habitat

• Tall Agrimony is noted as occasional in northern Illinois.
• Fragrant Agrimony is found in hedges, banks, and waysides.
• Mentioned as a native British perennial.

Morphology and Growth Habits

• Perennial herbs that can reach 2 to 3 feet tall.
• Pinnately arranged leaves, alternately large and small. Undersides of the leaves may have scattered hairs and tiny glands. Crushed leaves are weakly fragrant.
• Small, stalkless yellow flowers borne in a long terminal spike. Flowers are between 5 and 8 mm across, with 5 petals and 5 sepals.
• Fruits are bur-like structures with hooked hairs/bristles for dispersal. The fruit is described as a false fruit formed by the flower stalk. Fruits contain achenes.

Ecological Role

• The plant relies on animals for seed dispersal (ectozoochory), as the hooked bristles of the fruit attach to fur.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The plant's flowers attract insects.

Quirky Facts

• The fruit is actually a false fruit, formed by the flower stalk surrounding small achenes.
• Fragrant Agrimony's fragrance is described as lemony or walnut-like, originating from small glands on the plant.

Further Resources

• Ontario Wildflowers (for photos and information on Agrimonia gryposepala).